Kia Ora Reader! Ok here we go... the first instalment in my Winter Tramping Tips Series! (P.s. don't forget, if you'd rather not receive these emails, you can opt out here but still receive my normal newsletters!) So many people avoid the trails over winter (especially solo hikers). And for obvious reason! Not only is the weather typically colder and wetter than during the summer season, but many trails are 'closed off' or 'winterized' during these months, shortening the list of available trips (especially for beginner or intermediate hikers). But the dropping mercury doesn't mean you have to hibernate during the winter. In fact, there's some amazing tramping experiences to be had during winter, provided you are prepared and know what you're getting yourself into. And if you prefer to get away from the crowds, the winter months are often much less crowded! In this instalment, I want to talk to you about the essential clothing & footwear you need for a winter tramping trip in New Zealand. Essential Winter Tramping Clothing & FootwearIf you're going to head out on the NZ hiking trails during the colder and less forgiving months, you'd better make sure you have the right gear to get you through the changeable conditions. Let's be honest, NZ weather is unreliable at the best of times (even during the summer, where it's possible to see snow in some locations) so you should always be carrying plenty of layers and options regardless. But in winter, there's a few things you'll need to prioritse:
Layering Your ClothingLayering your clothing not only gives you plenty of options (even in winter, a day can change from an overcast drizzly mess to a crisp bluebird sky in a matter of hours) but also allows you to easily adjust your body temperature for the changing ambient conditions. Why Layering is Important
How to Layer Up for Winter HikingLayering for winter conditions isn't much different from summer months. However, it's more likely you'll be wearing all your layers at once (whereas in summer you might only need your outer layers occasionally). Here's my suggested layering system for winter tramping: 1. Base Layer
2. Middle Layer
3. Outer Layer
Must-Have Winter Tramping AccessoriesAlthough in summer you can get away without packing the following items in your kit, in winter these items become essential - so make sure you don't forget them! 1. GlovesMake sure to keep your hands warm and dry, especially if you use trekking poles to walk with! I personally love my RAB Power Stretch Pro gloves (so warm and lightweight!), but any fleece-lined or merino glove will do the trick, and bonus points if they're waterproof too (like these Sealskinz Kelling gloves). 🔥 HOT HIKING HACK: If you want waterproof gloves but don't want the expense (or the extra weight) pack a pair of rubber washing-up gloves to slide over your normal gloves. Not the most fashionable, but insanely effective! 2. BeanieAs humans, we lose heat fastest through our extremities - hands, feet... and head! It's why we make sure to keep babies' heads warm and rugged up when they're too young to regulate their own body temperature. A beanie is a must-have accessory for the winter months. And in winter I switch from my ultralight ultrafine merino beanie to a thicker and more insulated one like this Buff Janna beanie or this Macpac thick knit. 3. Neck Gaiter (Scarf)My Nanna always told me never to leave the house without a scarf. Neck gaiters are the modern tramper's version of a scarf (but yes, you can bring a scarf instead if you prefer!). Neck gaiters (who even thought of that name??) protect your neck from the biting wind and rain, and can be pulled up to cover your face. Most can even double as a beanie too! They come in all styles and materials, so you can choose from lightweight but moisture wicking wool, right through to fleece-lined for those really cold trips. Winter Tramping FootwearLike I said before, so much of our body heat is lost through extremities like the feet. In winter of course, your feet are wet and cold the majority of the time. So you might find some changes are in order. As you might already know, I'm a massive fan of using trail runners when I'm out and about. But more often than not, in winter I switch over to boots. There's a couple of reasons for this:
Although there are some downsides (boots typically take much longer to dry out than trail runners, for example) it is possible to keep your feet mostly warm and dry in a good pair of boots (on an intermediate tramping track) which is a huge moral boost at the end of a big day tramping. And don't forget the socks (and gaiters)!A good sock system (yes, that's right) is also key to a comfortable and enjoyable winter hike. In rainy, cold and damp conditions the skin on your feet becomes softer and more prone to blistering. For these kinds of conditions, I find the system that works best for me is another layering system:
🔥 HOT TRAMPING TIP: You might notice that many stalwart kiwi trampers also wear gaiters, ankle or knee-length, throughout all seasons but particularly during winter. Not only do gaiters protect against prickly shrubs (like the dreaded matagouri and gorse) but they also help to keep water out of shoes, further prolonging the life of your feet on a long tramp! I hope you've enjoyed the first instalment of this Winter Tramping Series! If you skipped to the end, here's a summary of the important points:
Stick around for the next instalment, where we'll be talking about all the essential winter tramping gear you need to pack for your winter adventure! Happy Tramping! 🥾 Disclaimer: To cover the costs of my email software and the time I spend writing these emails, some of the links in this email may be affiliate links. If you choose to buy through these links I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Every purchase you make using my links helps me keep writing blog posts, making videos and sending newsletters - so THANK YOU 🙏. |
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Kia Ora Reader! Welcome to the second instalment of the Winter Tramping Tips Series! If you missed the first instalment last week, we covered my picks of winter clothing and footwear to keep you warm and dry during your winter adventures. If you want to catch up, you can read it again here. (P.s. don't forget, if you'd rather not receive these emails, you can opt out here but still receive my normal newsletters!) In this edition, we're diving into the crucial gear you'll need for winter...